…is a very badly scripted and poorly made film with weak performances. It will face complete rejection at the box-office – and deservedly so.

Thackeray has masala for the audience in Maharashtra mainly. Outside the state of Maharashtra, the film stands bleak chances despite a National holiday today (January 26) due to Republic Day. Collections will show a big jump in Maharashtra today.

Thugs Of Hindostan is a major disappointment. The word of mouth for the film will be bad (despite the fact that the masses may not hate it) and, therefore, collections will drop down fast and furiously after the initial euphoria dies down and after the festive and holiday period gets over. The producers, of course, may make some profits but that’s more because they had sold the satellite and digital rights of the film at phenomenal prices, before the film’s theatrical release. Compared to the scale, canvas and budget of the film, its box-office earnings will be a dampener.

Tumbbad is a class-appealing horror film meant for the big cities mainly. Its poor start is a minus point.

Jalebi is a half-baked attempt and will, therefore, not prove to be a sweet experience for its investors.

Stree is entertaining and engaging. Its comedy and horror will be lapped up by the audience, making it a hit fare.

Karwaan is an entertaining fare but only for the classes and city audiences. Its collections will pick up in the premium multiplexes of the cities due to positive word of mouth but the dull start will tell on the ultimate business because films like these do not have the power to sustain in the cinemas for too long.

Dhadak is a good entertainer and will emerge victorious at the ticket windows. The outstanding performances of Ishaan and Janhvi could take the film to the ‘A’ class level too.

Sanju is a definite blockbuster. It will work wonders for Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in particular. It will also boost the image of Sanjay Dutt in the public eye, which will help in Dutt’s future career. It can easily cross the Rs. 250-crore mark in India. It shouldn’t be a surprise if it even joins the 300-crore club, making it one of the biggest blockbusters of Hindi cinema!! Its business in multiplexes will be HUGE.

Race 3 is saved because of an engaging post-interval portion. Despite the terribly dull first half, it will do decent business. Since its cost of production has already been recovered from sale of non-theatrical rights, shares from India and Overseas theatrical revenues will be good enough to generate handsome profits to the producers. But those distributors, who have acquired the rights at very high prices, would lose a small part of their investments. It will definitely not qualify as a box-office hit because of the poor pre-interval portion. Collections on second day (Eid) and third day (post-Eid; Sunday) will be phenomenal.